The BelAire 338VE4 Elite Series is a 5 HP, 80-gallon two-stage air compressor built specifically for facilities with 460V three-phase power. What separates it from a standard two-stage compressor is its triple-pass pump-mounted aftercooler, which cools compressed air before it enters the receiver. Combined with a belt-driven pump, vertical ASME tank, and factory-installed magnetic starter, it is designed for shops that need a straightforward installation and better control of heat and moisture in their compressed-air system. Note: this is a 460V three-phase model and cannot be connected to single-phase service.
The triple-pass aftercooler is the feature doing the most practical work here. Air leaving the second compression stage is hot and moisture-laden; cooling it before storage helps condensate collect in the tank instead of continuing through the shop's air lines. That can reduce moisture reaching air tools and downstream equipment while making an optional dryer more effective. The belt-driven, splash-lubricated pump includes an oil sight glass for quick maintenance checks, while the fully enclosed high-flow belt guard protects moving components without restricting cooling airflow. The magnetic starter is already fitted, providing motor control and eliminating the need to purchase a separate starter before installation.
The 338VE4 is a strong fit for established automotive repair shops, body and paint facilities, fleet maintenance departments, and other commercial operations that already have 460V three-phase service. Its vertical 80-gallon tank conserves floor space, making it practical for corners and equipment rooms with sufficient overhead clearance. It is particularly well suited to operations where multiple air tools are used regularly and cooler, lower-moisture compressed air is important. For applications requiring additional air treatment, BelAire recommends the CPXHT25 dryer, which is not included with the compressor.
Specifications
Motor and electrical supply
| Rated power |
5 HP |
| Supply |
460V AC, 3-phase |
| Magnetic starter |
Included |
| Recommended breaker |
15 Amp |
| Amp draw |
BelAire does not publish a figure; consult a certified electrician |
Pump and output
| Pump type |
Two-stage, belt drive, splash lubricated |
| Delivered air |
18.5 CFM at 100 PSI; 16.6 CFM at 175 PSI |
| Maximum pressure |
175 PSI |
| Aftercooler |
Elite Series triple-pass, pump mounted |
| Pump material |
BelAire’s data gives this two ways — the specification block says solid cast iron, while a separate field on the same listing says aluminium with a cast iron sleeve. The feature list and the description both describe a cast iron cylinder sleeve. Ask us to confirm in writing if the construction matters to your decision. |
Tank and outlet
| Tank |
80 gallon, vertical, ASME certified, with safety relief valve |
| Outlet |
3/4" |
| Tank drain |
Described inconsistently in this product’s own data: the feature list calls it an Elite Series automatic tank drain, while the description calls it a manual drain valve and the specification block records no electronic drain valve. Confirm with us in writing before you buy if an automatic drain is what you are paying for. |
| Low-oil switch |
Also inconsistent — the feature list names an Elite Series low oil switch, the specification block records no pump low-oil shut-off. The oil sight glass is confirmed by both. |
Size and weight
| Overall |
39" long × 24" wide × 77" high |
| Weight |
453 lbs in the product description; 457 lbs in the BelAire specification block. The two published figures disagree by a small margin — ask us to confirm before you plan the unload. |
Certification, Stated Plainly
The pressure vessel is an ASME-certified tank with a safety relief valve, and BelAire states that the unit is factory tested at full pressure before it ships. Those claims apply to the tank.
What the data does not claim is a third-party electrical safety listing for the packaged machine — the kind of mark a plant standard, insurer or local inspector may require for hard-wired shop equipment. We will not imply one exists. If a specific listing is a condition of your installation, tell us before you order and we will request confirmation from BelAire in writing.
We would rather tell you that plainly than let a badge you assumed was there turn up missing during an inspection.
How It Ships
This item ships free within the lower 48 states, so there is no standard freight charge added at checkout.
Unloading is the customer's responsibility. The driver brings the pallet to the back of the trailer and no further. A forklift, loading dock or pallet jack on level ground can handle the delivery; if you have none of those, choose terminal pickup and collect it yourself. Delivery to a home address is considered residential and carries a residential fee.
Inspect the pallet before you sign. Check the tank, pump and belt guard, and write any damage on the bill of lading before the driver leaves. Damage documented at delivery is far easier to claim than damage reported after a clean signature.
Warranty
BelAire covers this compressor with a 2-Year bumper-to-bumper factory warranty for both consumer and commercial use. The coverage applies to the complete unit, with no additional purchase required to activate it.
One warning from us: if something goes wrong, do not take the pump apart before opening a claim. The failed component may need to be inspected in the condition in which it failed. Call us first, document the problem, and let the claim begin while the machine is still intact.
